Lasting Connections
The desire to teach is a calling. And, in the case of Michael S. Kogan, this calling to influence students’ lives extends far beyond the classroom.
For 42 years, until his retirement in January 2015, the professor emeritus taught courses in philosophy and religion at Montclair State University with a passion and enthusiasm that made a lasting impression on his students. Kogan is still in contact with many of his former students and is seen as more than a mentor, to many he is a father figure. A testament of this, he receives Father’s Day cards from students who he helped to support both financially and emotionally, and several of his alumni call him weekly or more to catch up.
“I’ve had a great career and loved everything about it,” he reflects.
Kogan was the chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion for 24 years, creating and teaching courses in Jewish and Christian scripture studies, as well as courses in philosophy, theology, American religious history and Mormonism. While at Montclair State, he initiated a series of evening lectures followed by informal get-togethers at his home designed to bring students and faculty together outside of the classroom environment. After retiring from the University, Kogan moved to South Carolina, where he teaches at the College of Charleston and is active in many religious communities, staying involved in academia and speaking at lecture series.
A committed advocate for tolerance and dialogue among religions, Kogan is the author of the pioneering work, Opening the Covenant: A Jewish Theology of Christianity and has contributed to scholarly journals and lectured widely about Jewish-Christian dialogue.
Kogan appreciated the diversity of his students and being part of their pursuit of the American dream. His impact on Montclair State has been far-reaching, and he has supported the University through donations for student scholarships, campus enhancements and departmental programming. Kogan has ensured his legacy will endure by arranging a planned gift – his bequest will support the Michael S. Kogan Fund, designated for the benefit of the Department of Religion in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
As he helps Montclair State soar, Kogan has created a lasting connection to the University to improve students’ lives.
For more information on creating a legacy at Montclair State University, please contact Ely Santoni at santonituere@montclair.edu or 973-655-3695.
